The Lakeville North Competition Varsity cheerleaders had a lot to cheer about after winning a national championship at the Universal Cheerleader Association competition this winter in Orlando, Fla.
Polly Edwards, the team's director, says they beat out 29 teams in their division, small varsity non-tumbling, to place first. Eastview High School, in Apple Valley, took sixth in the same category.
The victory for Lakeville North was especially sweet because, according to Edwards, the Lakeville cheerleaders did not place first in state and regional competitions as they had in past years, but earned enough points with their performance to compete nationally.
Edwards said she hopes the win will inspire others to try out and take a different look at cheerleading. She said this year the team is especially dedicated to elevating the perception of the sport and helping promote school spirit.
The benefits of participating in cheerleading continue off the field, too, Edwards said. She said cheerleading helps the students grow as individuals and be better contributors in the community.
Parent-athlete information meetings are scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Lakeville North High School in room 216 for those who would like to learn more about trying out for next year's squad. Recruiting visits were set for this week at Century and Kenwood middle schools.
Clinics are set for March 20-21 for athletes to learn the tryout material. They will be held at LNHS South Commons from 3 to 6 p.m. Tryouts are 10 a.m.-noon at Kenwood Middle School on March 23.
For more information, contact Edwards at lnhscheer@outlook.com.
